India Notifies Fuel Norms for E100 Ethanol Fuel

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, on October 26, 2026, to officially notify fuel norms for E85 and E100 fuel. The updated regulations allow flex-fuel vehicles, specifically designed and certified by original equipment manufacturers, to use blends consisting of nearly 100 percent ethanol.

Government officials clarified that conventional petrol vehicles and those calibrated for E20 blends are incompatible with these high-ethanol fuels due to fuel density factors and the risk of material corrosion. The policy shift aims to lower India's dependence on imported crude oil, which meets approximately 88% of national energy demands, and mitigate vulnerabilities caused by conflict in West Asia. Between 2014-15 and May 2026, the broader ethanol blending program saved over ₹1.90 lakh crore in foreign exchange and reduced crude imports by 31 million metric tonnes.

Maruti Suzuki launched the Wagon R Flex Fuel in June 2026 as the first flex-fuel passenger vehicle in India. Other major automakers, including Toyota Motor Corporation, Tata Motors, and Hyundai Motor Company, are currently developing compatible vehicles. Additional regulatory changes include raising the gross vehicle weight limit for certain light petrol and diesel vehicles from 3,000 kg to 3,500 kg and updating standards for B100 biodiesel and hydrogen-CNG combinations.